Degree Completion Program

The typical course of study at Montserrat College of Art results in 120 earned credits for the BFA program. All Montserrat graduates earn a BFA in the Studio Arts and choose an area of concentration to study in more depth. Our interdisciplinary approach to BFA curriculum encourages experimentation both in and outside of your chosen concentration; it’s designed to make the most of your talents and prepare you for success throughout your career. 

For the greatest amount of flexibility in course offerings, Degree Completion Program students will be registered for our Interdisciplinary Arts concentration.

Montserrat’s Interdisciplinary Arts concentration allows students to create their own course of art study, incorporating media from various departments throughout the college. Students in this program are expected to develop a coherent aesthetic sensibility that addresses their chosen form of expression. As they progress through the program, students develop more intensive and independent inquiry. Students in the Interdisciplinary Arts concentration select from a variety of studio courses that ultimately contribute to a thematic body of work.

Montserrat accepts up to 90 credit hours of transfer credits for Degree Completion Program participants who attended a different accredited institution and may accept candidates who previously studied at Montserrat who need as few as 3 credits to graduate.  Except on rare occasions, as determined by the Academic Dean and Registrar, the distribution of transfer credits must not exceed a maximum of 45 credits in studio art and a maximum of 45 credits in liberal arts.

Awarding of Life Experience Credit (LEC) is determined by a faculty panel. LEC earned through portfolio evaluation may not be eligible for transfer to another academic institution, depending on that institution’s policies. The earned credit is posted to a student’s transcript upon remission of payment of 25% of the current per-credit tuition rate with a grade of “T” (Transfer). Federal Financial Aid does not cover the credit assessment fee. Credit earned by portfolio evaluation is considered transfer credit and, therefore, does not apply toward academic residency requirements. The grade of “T” (Transfer) will not impact a student’s overall grade point average. Contact the Admissions Office for information on the LEC process.  

This sample schedule shows how part-time Degree Completion students may be able to complete 24 credits in one year.. Our flexible program allows Degree Completion students to take a combination of hybrid, online, and in-person courses throughout the year, including the intensive summer and winter sessions.

Degree Completion students are not limited to these days and times, and can sign up for any Montserrat degree classes that work with their schedule.

 Fall Semester (6 credits)

• 2 hybrid evening courses (6:35-9:15pm)
  • M/W nights, with Mondays in person and Wednesdays online
  • T/TH nights with Tuesdays in person and Thursdays online

Winter Session (3 credits)

• 2-week online accelerated course

Spring Semester (6 credits)

• A hybrid evening course (6:35-9:15pm), meeting on M/W nights with Mondays in person and Wednesdays online
• Friday afternoon on-campus class (12:30-6:10pm)

Summer Session I (3 credits)

• 6-week online accelerated course

Summer Session II (6 credits)

• 6-week intensive on-campus studio program

Upon acceptance, Degree Completion Program students are automatically considered for Montserrat’s Degree Completion Program Institutional Award. This award reduces standard tuition by almost 75%, to $1200 per standard 3-credit course.* It applies to a maximum of 6 credits per semester. 

To be considered for this award, you must:

• have paused or stopped taking classes at an accredited institution for at least three years prior to enrollment.
• have previously completed 60 credits at Montserrat or another accredited college or university.
• wish to complete your degree part-time while also continuing to pursue your career or work a day job
• have the ability to take at least 50% of their classes in person on Montserrat’s campus while retaining commuter status.

*Our Study Abroad program and courses facilitated by partner colleges or organizations are unable to be discounted. These include ABI internship courses, NODE courses, the AICAD exchange program, and NECCUM courses.

Your portfolio is an essential element of your application. We require 12–15 pieces of your most recent and strongest artwork, including a minimum of two drawings or paintings from direct observation. You may also include up to two pieces of creative writing, both under 1,000 words. 

We encourage all students to participate in a preliminary portfolio review before applying. Please email [email protected] to schedule a portfolio review with one of our Admissions Counselors.

All transcripts may be submitted via email, fax, or regular mail. Degree Completion Program applicants must submit all college/university transcripts and official evidence of high school graduation. Official evidence of high school graduation can be a copy of a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a high school transcript, including an official signature or seal and a graduation date.

International students must provide official, certified English translations for all secondary school credentials and college/university transcripts not already in English, along with the official school records in the original language.

Recommendation letters (one is required, two are recommended) may be submitted directly within your online application, via email to [email protected], or mailed to Montserrat College of Art Admissions, 23 Essex Street, Beverly, MA 01915. Preferably, one letter should be submitted by an art teacher or professional artist who can describe your artistic abilities. Alternatively, a recommendation letter may be submitted by an employer. Please do not submit letters from immediate family members or friends.

We will accept any college essay of 300 to 500 words in length, or (preferably) an essay that describes who you are as an artist and why Montserrat would be a good fit for you. Essays may be uploaded directly into your application portal.

The following codes identify Montserrat College of Art to the respective agencies:
CEEB/SAT – 9101
ACT – 1847
TOEFL – 3575
FAFSA – 013774

Fall Entry: June 30

Spring Entry: December 1

Montserrat College of Art
Admissions Office
23 Essex Street
Beverly, MA 01915

Toll-Free: 800.836.0487
Phone: 978.921.4242 x1153
Fax: 978.921.4241
Email: [email protected]